Rent Agreement Stamp Duty Calculator

⚡ In shortA rent agreement has to be executed on stamp paper, and in most states an 11-month leave-and-licence agreement must also be registered — the two together are what people mean by 'rent agreement charges'. Unlike property purchase, stamp duty on a rent agreement is charged on the value of the tenancy, not the value of the flat, so it is comparatively small. Maharashtra uses the Article 36A basis: 0.25% of the total rent for the term plus 10% of the refundable deposit. Other states charge a percentage of the annual rent — roughly 2% in Delhi, about 0.5% in Karnataka (often satisfied by a ₹200 stamp for an 11-month agreement), around 1% in Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. Registration is a separate fee, commonly ₹1,000 in Maharashtra and ₹1,100 in Delhi. This calculator applies your state's basis to the rent, term and deposit you enter. Agreements of 12 months or more generally must be registered; the popular 11-month term exists precisely to keep the paperwork lighter.

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How it is calculated

Unlike property purchase, stamp duty on a rent agreement is charged on the value of the tenancy, not the value of the flat, so it is comparatively small. Maharashtra uses the Article 36A basis: 0.25% of the total rent for the term plus 10% of the refundable deposit. Other states charge a percentage of the annual rent — roughly 2% in Delhi, about 0.5% in Karnataka (often satisfied by a ₹200 stamp for an 11-month agreement), around 1% in Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. Registration is a separate fee, commonly ₹1,000 in Maharashtra and ₹1,100 in Delhi. This calculator applies your state's basis to the rent, term and deposit you enter. Agreements of 12 months or more generally must be registered; the popular 11-month term exists precisely to keep the paperwork lighter.

Frequently asked questions

Why are rent agreements always 11 months?

Because a lease of 12 months or more must be compulsorily registered under the Registration Act, which costs more and creates a stronger tenancy record. An 11-month leave-and-licence agreement avoids that, though several states still require it to be registered.

Who pays the stamp duty — landlord or tenant?

By convention the tenant pays, but the law does not fix it. Whatever you agree should be written into the agreement itself.

Is an unregistered rent agreement valid?

It can be evidence of the arrangement, but an unregistered agreement has limited value in court and may not be accepted as address proof or for an HRA claim. Registering it is the safer course.

How is Maharashtra stamp duty on rent calculated?

0.25% of the total rent for the licence period plus 10% of the refundable deposit, with registration charged separately (commonly ₹1,000 in urban areas).

Related reading

India Law Simplified is an AI-assisted tool, not a substitute for a licensed CA or advocate. Tax rules and limits change with each Finance Act — verify before relying on any figure.